The Vikings on Thursday signed free-agent defensive tackle Tom Johnson after he passed a physical at Winter Park. A source said Johnson got a one-year deal worth $845,000, including a $100,000 signing bonus, with up to $600,000 in incentives.

The 6-foot-3, 288-pound Johnson, 29, played in 40 games the past three seasons without a start for New Orleans. Other teams looking at him were Dallas, Chicago, Seattle and Miami.

The Cowboys dropped out of the running when they agreed Tuesday to sign defensive tackle Henry Melton. The Vikings also had looked at Melton, but turned to Johnson after he went to the Cowboys.

The deal throws more uncertainty into the Vikings re-signing Kevin Williams, a starting defensive tackle for them the past 11 seasons. Williams, 33, told the Pioneer Press on Wednesday the chances are getting "slimmer and slimmer" he will return.

Johnson went undrafted in 2005 out of Southern Mississippi. Before appearing in his first NFL game in 2011, he spent time with the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe, the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.

Johnson is the third defensive lineman to sign with the Vikings since free agency began March 11. Also new is tackle Linval Joseph, and end Everson Griffen has re-signed.

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Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer said in an interview Thursday on KFAN-FM that Griffen was the team's first choice entering free agency at end, and Cincinnati free agent Michael Johnson, who eventually signed with Tampa Bay, was second. Zimmer, previously the Bengals' defensive coordinator, said his former player had interest in rejoining him but ultimately wanted to be closer to his Alabama home.

Also Thursday, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman and offensive coordinator Norv Turner watched quarterback Derek Carr work out at Fresno State Pro Day. The former Bulldogs star has a chance to be a first-round draft pick.

Minnesota officials are expected to remain in California to observe San Jose State quarterback David Fales in a private workout. Fales is not considered a first-round prospect.